Glorious Journey relishes return to seven furlongs to land Hungerford Stakes

The well-backed Glorious Journey earned his most significant win when landing the Group 2 Unibet Hungerford Stakes, which could lead to an even bigger target at Longchamp in October.

Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle, the four-year-old, available at 10-1 on Saturday morning, was supported in to 100-30 and justified that support with a half-a-length success over Librisa Breeze.

Glorious Journey races in the familiar maroon and white silks that were synonymous with Sheikh Mohammed, but are now registered to his daughter Jalila. Doyle looked dashing in them as he tracked the leaders before pressing on a furlong from home.

James Doyle: 'I hit the front a bit too soon and tried to hang on to him as long as I could'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Eighth in the July Cup last time out, Glorious Journey appreciated an extra furlong at Newbury, seeing the trip out stoutly to deny the returning Librisa Breeze, who ran a massive race on his first start for 280 days, and 5-2 favourite Safe Voyage.

The Prix de l'Foret at Longchamp on Arc weekend in October might be next.

Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam said: "He ran well enough in the July Cup and his runs before that were solid. It's nice he got his head in front and I think the ground helped today – a bit of ease.

"He's consistent and was due his turn. You'd probably think seven was his best trip and I just spoke to Charlie who mentioned the Foret, when hopefully he'll get ease in the ground."

Watch Glorious Journey's Hungerford victory

Doyle said: "We thought quite a bit of him as a two-year-old then we lost him a little bit. Seven furlongs is perfect for him. I hit the front a bit too soon and tried to hang on to him as long as I could.

"I think there's lots more to look forward to. He needs a little bit of ease in the ground and something like the Foret could suit."

Sir Dancealot, who was bidding to be the first back-to-back winner in half a century, was unable to land a blow, with jockey Gerald Mosse in trouble a fair way from home.

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This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.